Magic Cuts Bol Bol; 3 Potential Landing Spots
There is nothing more valuable in the NBA right now than a do-it-all big man ... literally and figuratively.
Just take a look at the San Antonio Spurs and rookie Victor Wembanyama, who before even being selected was projected to bring a $500 million economic impact to whoever drafted him.
Over the past five years, the league MVP has been Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid, Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic (twice) and Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (twice) - each versatile seven-footers with unique skill sets.
So why did the Orlando Magic waive one of the league's most intriguing players in Bol Bol?
While this news wasn't particularly shocking after the Magic inked center Moe Wagner last week to a two-year $16 million deal, it still raised a certain level of eyebrows.
With Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and late season acquisition Goga Bitadze's option being picked up, Orlando simply has three centers they view as more valuable in its long-term vision. Further, if the Magic wanted to play a "jumbo" lineup and run Bol at power forward, it would create quickly create a logjam at the team's deepest position with Paolo Banchero, Joe Ingles and rookie Jett Howard already in place.
After starting 30 games through November and December and averaging over 25 minutes per game, Bol's time on the court dropped drastically over the second half of the season - starting just once and playing less than 18 minutes per contest from January-March.
While the 23-year-old may not have a roster spot in Orlando, it shouldn't be long until he finds a new home. The Dallas Mavericks have already emerged as a potential destination, with rumors circulating that the two teams tried discussing a trade on draft night. Other potential suitors could also be the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, who are both in search for big man depth.
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